Can I leave pool uncovered in winter?

Author: Dr. Chaz Wolff  |  Last update: Sunday, May 8, 2022

No, but winter covers protect your pool from stains, algae growth and poor water balance that could damage pool surfaces. Pool covers block both debris and sunlight, to conserve your winter chemicals and protect soft and shiny surfaces.

What happens if you don't cover your pool for the winter?

Pool Closing Mistake 1: Skipping the Pool Cover

For one thing, an uncovered pool will become a catch-all for leaves and debris. Those leaves will spend all winter stewing away in the bottom of your pool. In the spring, you'll be welcomed with a nasty, sludgy mess.

What happens if you don't cover your above-ground pool in the winter?

If you don't cover your above-ground pool, it's going to get dirt, leaves, and other debris in it. Even if you don't have any trees nearby, the wind will still blow debris into the water.

Should I cover my swimming pool in winter?

Fundamentally, swimming pool covers protect your pool from falling or blowing debris and can protect against pool related accidents. Covering your pool will also protect the shell of your pool in colder weather, making it less likely to crack than it would without a cover.

Is it better to keep a pool covered or uncovered?

Covering a pool when it is not in use is the single most effective means of reducing pool heating costs. Savings of 50%–70% are possible. Pool covers on indoor pools not only can reduce evaporation but also the need to ventilate indoor air and replace it with unconditioned outdoor air.

Do I Need To Cover My Pool For The Winter?

How do you take care of a pool in the winter?

Here are our top 10 winter care tips for your pool:
  1. Prevent the System from Freezing. ...
  2. Dry the Pool Cover. ...
  3. Make Sure the Pool Cover Fits. ...
  4. Add Mid-Winter Algaecide. ...
  5. Reduce the Water Level. ...
  6. Adding Chemicals. ...
  7. Store Pool Accessories Away. ...
  8. Check the Pool at Regular Intervals.

What happens if pool water freezes?

Pool pipes that are located above-ground can crack if the pump is not kept running when temperatures reach below 32°. If PVC pipes freeze, the ice will expand and can crack pipes, pumps, valves, filters, and heaters.

How much water should I leave in my above-ground pool for the winter?

Above-Ground Pools

If you have an above-ground pool with a vinyl pool liner, drain the pool to about 1 inch below the bottom of the skimmer mouth. It's acceptable to drain the pool a few more inches below that if you live in an area that gets heavy precipitation during the winter months.

Can I use a tarp to cover my pool?

CCS polypropylene mesh tarps are the best tarp for pool covers. They do an exceptional job blocking sunlight, which is essential for preventing algae growth when chemicals are not being added regularly. Polypropylene tarps are strong, too, so they can withstand the weight of ice and snow that builds up over the winter.

How do I keep my above ground pool from freezing in the winter?

6 Tips to Avoid Winter Damage to Your Above Ground Pool
  1. 1) Keep Excess Water Off Your Winter Cover.
  2. 2) Keep Leaves from Piling Up.
  3. 3) Clean Off Any Snow Buildup.
  4. 4) Use an Ice Equalizer Pillow to Prevent Ice Damage.
  5. 5) Stay on the Lookout for a Rapidly Receding Water Level.
  6. 6) Address Any Pool Buckling Immediately.

At what temperature does a pool freeze?

A chlorinated swimming pool freezes at around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the same temperature as non-chlorinated water.

Will pool pipes freeze at 32 degrees?

If you have an above ground pool with the pool filter system and plumbing above ground (like nearly all above ground pools), pipes and pumps can freeze up in less than an hour of minus 32 degrees.

How long should I run the pool pump in winter?

Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend the pump run 8-10 hours per day during the hottest summer months and at least 6 hours per day during the winter months.

What do you do with an outdoor pool in the winter?

How to Close Your Above Ground Pool in 10 Steps
  • Step 1: Deep Clean. ...
  • Step 2: Balance your Water. ...
  • Step 3: Add Winterizing Chemicals. ...
  • Step 4: Add Pump Protector. ...
  • Step 5: Protect Your Return and Skimmer. ...
  • Step 6: Prepare Your Filter for Hibernation. ...
  • Step 7: Clear the Pool. ...
  • Step 8: Set Up Ice Equalizer Pillow.

How do I cover my pool pipe for the winter?

Insulate plumbing lines with blankets or towels to prevent freezing. Even pool noodles can serve as good insulation around pipes. Open all lines to ensure proper water flow. If a valve is shut off, no water will flow through that pipe, and there is the danger of freezing damage.

Will pool pipes burst if they freeze?

“We expect people to be calling about broken PVC pipes, broken check valves and regular valves from the ice,” he said. “The valves, as long as the water is moving through, they're going to be fine. If water slows down enough or stops the valves will fill with ice and they'll burst and break.”

Should I break the ice in my pool?

If the pool is already frozen more than 1/2″ thick, wait for a bit of a thaw before lowering, or break up the ice first before and while lowering the water level. For safety pool covers, be careful not to lower the pool more than 12″ below the tile line.

Should I keep my pool pump running in winter?

The point of running your pool pump in the winter is to keep your water moving, which prevents it from freezing should temperatures get too low. So ideally, run your pump (and keep it running) whenever temperatures start getting close to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the freezing point of water.

What can I put in my pool to keep it from freezing?

Clear pipes and equipment of water using a blower or compressor and plug the pipes at the pool. Add swimming pool antifreeze to the lines to prevent freezing. Place a Gizzmo* (or similar device) in the skimmer to seal it and absorb pressure from ice.

Should pool cover touch water?

Your pool water level should not be too low, as the water must support the cover in situations where you receive a heavy snowfall. At the same time, ideally you don't want the water to touch the underside of the cover under general conditions as that contact will create a wet spot where debris will accumulate.

Is a winter pool cover just a tarp?

Winter Pool Cover: A plain cover (sometimes even just a tarp) laid over the pool, and secured on the deck with water-filled bags. On above ground pools, a winter cover sits on top of the pool and is secured to the walls with cable tied through grommets and tightened with a winch.

Can you leave an Intex pool up over the winter?

In warmer climates, Intex advises to keep your pool up, if you prefer. However, you must winterize the pool when keeping it full throughout the winter. If your area maintains tropical climates all year long, you may not need to winterize your pool at all, especially if you use your pool on a regular basis.

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